high-toned

adjective

ˈhī-ˈtōnd 

1

: high in social, moral, or intellectual quality

2

: pretentious, pompous

Examples of high-toned in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The coastal Mediterranean meets West Indies vibe feels right at home in South Florida, and the refined yet relaxed decor is similarly suited to the locale’s high-toned but low-key environment. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2025

That’s just the latest accolade for the Yorba Linda municipal course that continually scores above its weight in a high-toned category. —Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025

Many global rums are clean and light by design; Hampden’s are unabashedly expressive—ripe, high-toned, and unmistakable. —Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Blake is accused of having drifted into high-toned seriousness; Albert, now writing for television, is branded a sellout. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025

Bright high-toned notes of cherry and strawberry show on the palate with an intriguing texture that hints at a bit of tannin. —Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for high-toned

• enlightened
• brightened
• frightened
• heightened
• lightened
• tightened
• unenlightened